I have an enemy. I’ve been going through an awful time with it. Absolutely terrible. I won’t go into specifics, but let’s just sum it up this way. It’s awful. My stomach has been tied in knots. I’ve been stressed beyond belief. And I’ve let this person torture me.

After several days of anxiety, I finally prayed for God to just take it, have His way with it. That helped a bit. But there was still a lot of hurt and anger and worry. Last night, I tried a different approach. I prayed for her. It was suddenly obvious to me that the treatment I was receiving was not just a response to things I may or may have not done. I realized she must have a deep wound. That she has unresolved issues. That she is hurting and just not reacting positively to it. That despite the harsh, threatening exterior, she’s just another fragile, broken vessel. I prayed that she would find peace and that she would be enlightened. I prayed that this situation could just be put behind us. I prayed for her healing.

In Matthew 5:44, it says very clearly to, “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” This passage goes on to say that if you only love those who love you, then you really aren’t accomplishing much. It’s pretty easy to love those who love us.

I had a moment of compassion and clarity. It lasted about 8  hours. Today was filled with resentment and rage. Frustration. I’m anxious to draw to a resolution. And I most certainly did not love my enemy today. But I’m praying again for her tonight. And I’m praying for a continued compassion within me. I’m striving to love more than those who love me. It’s a tall mountain to climb. But I’m climbing.